That's excellent LizzieI have found that between everyone there, they know the answer to just about everything.CheersK

You are right Bart.  VIC has particularly onerous notice requirements for landlords.  Other states don't require anywhere near as much notice.CheersK

If I were the landlord I would weigh up how valuable they were as tenants vs how expensive it would be to replace the curtains.  If they had been there for a long time, didn't complain about the property, were always prompt with their rent then I may entertain their request.But given that you replaced the curtains previously at THEIR request, I…[Read more]

I would also be iinterested to have a look at your property.Please PM me the details if you want.CheersK

Hi Lizzie and JacquiIf you do go with SBS, please PM me and let me know how you go.CheersK

If their lease expires on 1 May then they need to be out on 1 May.  You can start advertising now for new tenants to commence on 1 May.Have the tenants given you formal notice that they don't intend to renew their lease?  If so, then you don't need to do anything.  If they have just given verbal notice then you need to be the one to give them fo…[Read more]

The way I would go about this is buy putting in offers with very small timeframes with a clause similar to Paul stated above "eg. "good until xxxpm on xxx date".  If you have a short timeframe of say 24 hours, then you will know very quickly whether your offer will be accepted.Don't put in any more offers than you are prepared to contract.  Wh…[Read more]

Hi NatI don't think that selling is such a cardinal sin.  I sell properties all the time.  It is all mathematical.  If, taking into account selling and buying costs, I can get a better return elsewhere, I don't have any problem at all selling and putting my money somewhere else.There are all kinds of investing strategies.  Buying and holding is…[Read more]

Hi DenonWhat research did you do before you determined that your property was worth mid $600k?  Did you base this on other properties in your area or did you get some RE Agents to give you an appraisal?If you are selling it privately (ie, without an agent), as Jeff says, the only two reasons it wouldn't be selling are price and marketing.  If y…[Read more]

Hi StephenListen to what they have to say and then put it on the forum.  It sounds like they are just offering something that you can get through any mortgage broker , but you never know, it may be something new that not many people know about.CheersK

Hi ZayneI would be running from the contract.  If there are serious structural problems, who knows what will happen in the future, even if this problem is fixed.  Also, to get the problem fixed, every unit holder will have to contribute $5 – 6000.  What happens if one owner doesn't have this kind of money.Sounds like a potential nightmare to me…[Read more]

It sounds like the vendor has given you two sets of advice – the letter saying you can get your deposit back and the contract that says you can't.  If you were to take this matter to court, you would be bound by the contract, not by the letter.  Was the letter before or after you signed the contract?Ask the vendor to tell you in the contract w…[Read more]

Hi thereAdprop is certainly the one to go to.CheersK

I've done the Property Investing course through TAFE and highly recommend it.  It's not a short course though – one Sunday in three going for 8 months.It gives an excellent overview of all aspects of investing from building inspections to finance to renovating and development.CheersK

It normally means that they are asking a lot!

Hi JLI also use LMI all the time for the same reasons that trakka does.  The fact that I get a refund is an added bonus.  In fact I didn't even know that I was entitled to a refund until I received the cheque in the mail.  I have received at least 6 refunds and I have never applied for them!I would use LMI even if I didn't get the refund.  I hav…[Read more]

I have had a number of refunds of late.  WIth my particular insurer, Genworth, if I sell the property within 12 months of taking out the mortgage I get a refund of 40%, dropping down to 20% if I discharge the mortgage within 1 – 2 years.  I think after that there is no refund.  I have never heard of getting a refund just by dropping back the LV…[Read more]

Hi LizzieI use Specialised Business Solutions in Brisbane Central.  My accountants are Timothy Munro and Susan Banks.  I can't speak highly enough about them and their knowledge of exactly what I want to achieve.  Their number is 07 3221 1100.CheersK

Hi GlenI would think not.  If your offer has been rejected without a counter offer just prior to auction, I would seem that the vendors have their hearts set on going to auction.As a last ditch attempt though, your three conditions are building, pest and finance. You could try removing any or all of the conditions (if you are game).CheersK

Hi thereTAFE does run a course called Property Investing.  I did it last year and it was fantastic.  It covered everything from building inspections to general economic principles to property management to developments.  It cost about $3000 and was worth every cent.  I did the course in Adelaide but I know it is also run on the Gold Coast and I t…[Read more]